The second film in the ‘Kimetsu no Yaiba’ (Night Watchmen, Demon Slayer) saga is already cinema history and its global box office is growing steadily. Pending its performance in the Chinese market after landing there this Friday, it is an overwhelming success in which its polished animation and a meticulous promotional campaign have been key.
In September, ‘Guardians of the Night: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Infinite Fortress’ became the first Japanese production to surpass $600 million in worldwide box office, in mid-October it overtook ‘Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon’ (2000) as the highest-grossing foreign film in the United States after 25 years, and its release in mainland China shows a promising future to continue making history.
Aiming for one billion
It is the first film in the Demon Slayer franchise to be shown in Chinese theaters.
Its arrival in one of the world’s most promising markets has raised expectations that it will break the billion-dollar barrier.
The success of the animated adaptation of the manga phenomenon created by Japanese cartoonist Koyoharu Gotoge is underpinned, psychologist Yuka Ijima told EFE:
In a measured campaign of long-term promotional activities.
This has facilitated brand recognition to encourage fans to follow their news, among other factors.
Demon Slayer expands partnerships
The collaborations span sectors ranging from the usual Demon Slayer promotional items, such as figurines or ready meals, to ‘purikura’ photo booth machines.
Like the one that the firm Furyu premieres at the Wanda International cinemas in Shanghai with special designs for the occasion.
It was announced years ago that the closure of the anime adaptation of ‘Kimetsu no Yaiba’, the final battle between its characters, would be a film trilogy.
Its first part is ‘The Infinite Fortress’.
Until the latter is released, regular collaborations and extensive promotion of Demon Slayer are planned for the future.
The emotional component
‘Guardians of the Night’ stars two siblings, Tanjiro and Nezuko Kamado.
The two become embroiled in a war against dark forces after their family is killed by an ‘oni’ or human-eating demonic being.
In search of a cure to restore Nezuko’s humanity, Tanjiro joins a group of demon hunters made up of a variety of profiles that allow him to empathize with them.
Also contributing to Demon Slayer’s success is the ability to empathize with the pain and loss behind the demons, among whom not everything is black and white.
Akaza stars in epic and emotional Demon Slayer movie
This latest Demon Slayer movie focuses specifically on the battle against one of the most popular characters, the demon Akaza,
And it adds additional content to a comic that has captivated audiences.
“The strength and beauty of the battle scenes, combined with the delicate depiction of tragic events, captivated viewers,” Ijima says.
He believes that the enormous potential for future productions to depict situations not covered in the vignettes of the manga’s 23 volumes is one of the factors that will help sustain interest in the long term.
The Japanese woman further argues that fans of ‘Demon Slayer’ “feel a strong psychological need” to see the film’s closure.
Visual and musical appeal
‘Guardians of the Night’ boasts outstanding visuals and polished, detailed animation rare in today’s era.
In which studios are turning to computer animation amidst labor shortages.
In an industry known for its marathon working hours and low wages.
This was one of the aspects that already led the first film in the Demon Slayer franchise, ‘The Infinite Train’ (2020), to achieve unprecedented success in Japanese theaters.
All in the midst of the restrictions of the covid pandemic.
It became the highest-grossing film in the history of the Asian country.
Music further boosts the Demon Slayer phenomenon
The popularity of the animated adaptation of ‘Demon Slayer’ lies not only in its visuals, but also in its music.
“The songs, with lyrics that reflect the story and fit the scenes perfectly, are poignant.”
Says Ijima, an associate professor at Daito Bunka University and author of a book on franchising.
Sales related to the most recent ‘Demon Slayer’ movie contributed to the significant sales increase in the music segment.
As well as Sony’s film branch.
Which owns the distribution rights, the company’s chief financial officer, Lin Tao, said Tuesday.
Lin said that they will continue to be involved in the production of the next films and will continue to join forces with partners from various fields to increase the business around the best-selling franchise.
With information from EFE
For more information, visit QuéOnnda.com
